31170 Range Road 42 Range
Rural Mountain View County Rural Mountain View County T0M 0R0

$1,590,000
Agri-Business beds: 5 baths: 3.0 1,441 sq. ft. built: 1986

Main Photo: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 1: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 2: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 3: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 4: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 5: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 6: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 7: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 8: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 9: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 10: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 11: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 12: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 13: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 14: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 15: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 16: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 17: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 18: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 19: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 20: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 21: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 22: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 23: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 24: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 25: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 26: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 27: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 28: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 29: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 30: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 31: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 32: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 33: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 34: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 35: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 36: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 37: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 38: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 39: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 40: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 41: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 42: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 43: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 44: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 45: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 46: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 47: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 48: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 49: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Photo 50: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
Status:
Active
Prop. Type:
Agri-Business
MLS® Num:
A2330756
Bedrooms:
5
Bathrooms:
3
Year Built:
1986
Freedom property away from the city or perfect addition to your operation. This 129+ acre property with beautifully finished family home is the perfect spot. With over 2900 developed square feet, this quality built home provides five beds/3 full bath, as well as plenty of room for hobbies and family gatherings. The land holds a large percentage of cleared cropland with small bits of trees to break up the landscape. Nothing says welcome home like the Mountain View from the home. Spanning nearly 180°, the sunsets are second to none. With larger parcels of land, becoming more and more rare, this Ranchette just might be your opportunity. The Calgary airport is less than 60 minutes drive, you’ll find it plenty of neighbors commute to downtown or if you’d prefer the small town life, Cremona, Cochrane and Sundre are close by. A second set of services and building site brings even more possibilities. Don’t forget the Water Valley Saloon and golf course. Local farms, attractions, camps, campsites, and access to the west country and multiple creeks make this larger land parcel extremely attractive. Imagine the memories you’ll make.
Property Type:
Agri-Business
Property Sub Type:
Agriculture
Transaction Type:
For Sale
Possession:
Possession Date:
Suite:
No
Num Legal Suites:
0
Num Illegal Suites:
0
Home Style:
1 and Half Storey
Current Use:
Farm
Major Use Description:
Cow, Grain, Pasture
Total Living Area:
1,441 sq. ft.
Lower Level Finished Area:
Above Grade Finished Area:
Taxes:
Tax Assessed Value:
HOA Fee Includes:
Lot Area:
130 acre(s)
Acres Cleared:
Acres Cultivated:
Acres Irrigated:
Acres Leasehold:
Acres Not Cultivated:
Acres Freehold:
Acres Seeded:
Acres Tame Hay:
Acres Treed:
Acres Waste:
Acres Water Rights:
Reg. Size:
Reg. Size Includes:
Levels:
One and One Half
Total Rooms Above Grade:
5
Year built:
1986 (Age: 40)
Bedrooms:
5 (Above Grd: 2)
Bedrooms Above Grade:
2
Bedrooms On Main:
0
Bedrooms Below Grade:
3
Bathrooms:
3.0 (Full:3, Half:0)
Num Ensuite Baths:
1
Heating:
Boiler, Central, In Floor, Natural Gas
Basement:
Full, Finished, Walk Out
Foundation:
Poured Concrete
New Constr.:
No
Construction Material:
Cement Fiber Board, Wood Frame
Structure Type:
House
Roof:
Asphalt Shingle
Ensuite:
Yes
Flooring:
Concrete, Hardwood
Cooling:
None
Water Supply:
Well
Sewer:
Holding Tank, Open Discharge
Garage:
Yes
Garage Spaces:
2
Parking:
Double Garage Attached
Parking Places:
20
Parking Total/Covered:
20 / -
Convection Oven, Dishwasher, Dryer, Electric Range, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer
Gas fireplace, wood stove, refrigerator in garage, 2 storage sheds, chicken coop, steel gazebo, steel grain bin.
None Known
Floor
Type
Size
Other
Main Floor
Living Room
18'5" × 17'7"
Main Floor
Dining Room
13'2" × 11'8"
Main Floor
Kitchen
16'2" × 12'4"
Upper Level
Bedroom - Primary
15'2" × 14'2"
Upper Level
Bedroom
12'9" × 11'6"
Upper Level
Laundry
8'5" × 5'9"
Lower Level
Family Room
23'2" × 22'3"
Lower Level
Bedroom
11'9" × 11'6"
Lower Level
Bedroom
13'6" × 11'9"
Lower Level
Bedroom
10'4" × 9'5"
Floor
Ensuite
Pieces
Other
Upper Level
Yes
3
7'8" x 8'5"
Upper Level
No
4
4'11" x 5'4"
Lower Level
No
4
7'9" x 5'10"
Title to Land:
Fee Simple
Interior Features:
Ceiling Fan(s), Open Floorplan, Pantry, Stone Counters, Storage, Walk-In Closet(s)
Exterior Features:
Balcony
Lot Features:
Farm
Access To Property:
Accessible to Major Traffic Route, Gravel Road
Num. of Parcels:
0
Outbuildings:
Shed
Fencing:
Cross Fenced, Fenced
Nearest Town:
Cremona
Region:
Mountain View County
Zoning:
1
Listed Date:
Jul 23, 2026
Days on Mkt:
  • Photo 1: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 1 of 50
  • Photo 2: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 2 of 50
  • Photo 3: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Front entry
  • Photo 4: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    living room
  • Photo 5: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Living room - west facing
  • Photo 6: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 6 of 50
  • Photo 7: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 7 of 50
  • Photo 8: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 8 of 50
  • Photo 9: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 9 of 50
  • Photo 10: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Kitchen
  • Photo 11: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 11 of 50
  • Photo 12: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Dining room
  • Photo 13: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 13 of 50
  • Photo 14: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Second bathroom upstairs
  • Photo 15: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Laundry room
  • Photo 16: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Primary bedroom
  • Photo 17: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 17 of 50
  • Photo 18: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Primary ensuite
  • Photo 19: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 19 of 50
  • Photo 20: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Second bedroom upstairs
  • Photo 21: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Basement Rec room
  • Photo 22: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Basement walkout
  • Photo 23: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 23 of 50
  • Photo 24: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Basement 3 piece bathroom
  • Photo 25: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    bedroom 3 - downstairs
  • Photo 26: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Bedroom 4 - downstairs
  • Photo 27: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Utility room
  • Photo 28: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Oversize garage
  • Photo 29: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    West facing
  • Photo 30: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 30 of 50
  • Photo 31: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Walkout patio
  • Photo 32: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 32 of 50
  • Photo 33: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Aerial - perimeter boundary
  • Photo 34: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 34 of 50
  • Photo 35: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    SW facing payio and gazebo
  • Photo 36: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 36 of 50
  • Photo 37: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 37 of 50
  • Photo 38: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 38 of 50
  • Photo 39: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 39 of 50
  • Photo 40: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 40 of 50
  • Photo 41: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 41 of 50
  • Photo 42: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 42 of 50
  • Photo 43: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 43 of 50
  • Photo 44: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 44 of 50
  • Photo 45: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Aerial crop/pasture
  • Photo 46: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 46 of 50
  • Photo 47: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 47 of 50
  • Photo 48: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 48 of 50
  • Photo 49: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 49 of 50
  • Photo 50: 31170 Range Road 42 Range in Rural Mountain View County: Agriculture for sale : MLS®# A2330756
    Photo 50 of 50
Larger map options:
Listed by Real Broker
Data was last updated August 21, 2026 at 04:05 PM (UTC)
powered by myRealPage.com

Olds Alberta Information

Olds (/o?ldz/ OHLDZ) is a town in central Alberta, Canada within Mountain View County and the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor. It is approximately 61 km (38 mi) south of Red Deer and 90 km (56 mi) north of Calgary. The nearest towns are Didsbury to the south, Bowden to the north, Sundre to the west and Three Hills to the east. Olds is located at the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 2A, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s main Edmonton-Calgary line runs through the town. Olds lies within the Grasslands Natural Region of Alberta. Downtown Olds is about 1,041 m (3,415 ft) above sea level. In 2011, the town covered a land area of 14.87 km2 (5.74 sq mi). Olds has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) and falls into the Natural Resources Canada (NRC) Plant Hardiness Zone 3b. The average temperature is around 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) in late July to ?10.1 °C (13.8 °F) in mid-January. Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping to or below ?30 °C (?22 °F). These are broken up from the dry Chinook winds from the mountains. Summers can be hot with temperatures reaching up to 30 °C (86 °F). Olds has various species living in and around it including poplar trees and various wild grasses. Olds is an agriculture based town, so a large portion of the flora grown are crops of canola (Brassica juncea subsp. juncea) and barley (Hordeum vulgare). The majority of fauna consists of livestock like cattle, and poultry. Many surrounding farms keep horses and/or donkeys. The town of Olds is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods with various styles of housing. There are several mobile home parks throughout the town. Olds has its own fibre optic Internet Service Provider called O-Net that provides gigabit speeds to its residents and businesses. The service cost the town about $21,000,000 to install.[6] Olds has a big-box retail centre which opened in 2008. It features a Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware and other major retailers. In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Olds had a population of 9,209 living in 3,810 of its 4,096 total private dwellings, a change of 0.3% from its 2016 population of 9,184. With a land area of 14.92 km2 (5.76 sq mi), it had a population density of 617.2/km2 (1,598.6/sq mi) in 2021.[2] In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Olds recorded a population of 9,184 living in 3,698 of its 3,942 total private dwellings, a change of 11.5% from its 2011 population of 8,235. With a land area of 14.93 km2 (5.76 sq mi), it had a population density of 615.1/km2 (1,593.2/sq mi) in 2016.[7] The population of the Town of Olds according to its 2014 municipal census is 8,617, a change of 1.2% from its 2013 municipal census population of 8,511.[8] Olds has four schools: École Olds Elementary School, École Deer Meadow School, Olds High School, and Holy Trinity Catholic School. Three schools in the area are part of the Chinook’s Edge School Division No. 73 École Olds Elementary Schoolis an elementary school containing kindergarten to grade 4. The school contains a small gymnasium with a rock climbing wall. The gym previously doubled as the gymnastics centre for the gymnastics club, which is now located along 25th Ave. École Deer Meadow School is a junior high school containing grades 5–8. There is a slightly larger gym as well as a music room for the students beginning in the band programs. Olds High School is a junior/senior high school containing grades 9–12. The school has a gymnasium and fitness centre and a fine arts theatre and is part of the Olds College Campus. The school has a variety of educational programs such as sports, band, shop, drama and stained glass program. Olds is also home to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, noted for its agriculture technology programs.[9] Olds is home to many sports teams such as the Olds Grizzlys Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), located at the Olds Sports Complex. Olds College Broncos part of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference, Olds Rapids Swim Club Located at the Olds Aquatic Centre. And many sporting events such as the Hay City Slam Skate Comp held every summer at the Olds Skate Park. Home to two golf courses: Olds Central Highlands 23 hole course, 3 mi (4.8 km) east of Olds, off Highway 27 as well as the brand new 9 Hole Trail Creek Golf course located 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Olds, off Highway 27 that opened in July 2015 The Olds Gymnastics Club has recently migrated from their previous home in the Elementary School to a new building located along 25th Avenue. The building was formerly a Sears Canada building. Olds houses the 185 Olds Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron. The building was formerly the Olds recreation centre and is now rendered to the squadron. The building is also rented out by many local dance and church programs. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olds,_Alberta

Olds Alberta Ranch MLS®

Welcome to our Olds Alberta Ranch MLS® Search page, where you can explore a diverse selection of Ranch MLS® listings.

www.FarmForSale.ca is produced by Steve LeBlanc, an experienced Farm and Commercial Realtor®, The search pre-set includes Ranch listings within a 50 km radius of Olds Alberta, each listing provides detailed insights into the Olds Alberta area.

Whether looking for Farms, Ranch, Land, Commercial or Residential, you will find valuable information about the local community, amenities, and market trends. Our advanced search filters allow you to easily refine your search by location, property type, price range, and more, while interactive maps help you visualize property locations and explore surrounding areas.

Each listing includes comprehensive details, high-quality photos, and key features to assist you in making informed decisions. Additionally, Steve LeBlanc offers insights into the Olds Alberta area real estate market, community highlights, and essential amenities, helping you understand each property’s unique characteristics.

Steve LeBlanc’s years of experience in Farm and Commercial real estate ensure you receive knowledgeable and personalized assistance throughout your buying or selling journey.

Welcome to www.FarmForSale.ca

Steve LeBlanc

Farm | Ranch | Land | Commercial
Alberta & Saskatchewan

Licensed Realtor® | Associate
Marcel LeBlanc Real Estate Inc.

Contact
Phone: 403-391-6447
Email: steve@leblancrealty.ca
Website: www.FarmForSale.ca

Contact by
Phone | Text | Email | Contact Form

steve leblanc farm realtor home picture Alberta & Saskatchewan
topsoil Depth (in) Alberta Source aafc slc version 3.2

Understanding Topsoil Depth in Alberta: Insights from AAFC SLC Version 3.2 Data

Topsoil depth is a critical factor for agricultural productivity, influencing water retention, nutrient availability, and root growth. The provided map of Alberta illustrates the topsoil depth in inches, highlighting significant regional variations. This analysis is based on data from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC) Version 3.2.

Key Observations

The topsoil depth in Western Alberta and the Rockies is generally shallow, ranging from 0 to 6 inches. This is due to the rugged terrain and erosional processes associated with mountainous regions. The shallow topsoil in these areas supports forests and natural vegetation rather than extensive agriculture.

Central Alberta, including areas around Edmonton and Red Deer, exhibits moderate to deep topsoil depths, generally between 8 to 14 inches. These depths are conducive to productive agriculture, supporting a variety of crops. The deeper topsoil in central regions contributes to higher agricultural yields and sustainable farming practices.

In Southern and Eastern Alberta, regions such as Calgary and areas towards the Saskatchewan border show variable topsoil depths ranging from 6 to 10 inches. While suitable for agriculture, these areas may require careful soil management to maintain productivity. Areas with shallower topsoil are more drought-resistant and may need irrigation and soil conservation practices.

Regional Analysis

The Rocky Mountain Influence is evident in the shallow topsoil of the Rocky Mountain foothills, resulting from the rocky and rugged terrain, limiting soil accumulation. These areas are more suited to forest growth and natural vegetation rather than intensive agriculture.

In contrast, the Prairie Conditions in central Alberta benefit from moderate to deep topsoil, which is ideal for crop production and supports Alberta’s agricultural economy. Maintaining topsoil depth through conservation practices is essential for sustaining long-term agrarian productivity in these areas.

Implications for Agriculture

Understanding topsoil depth is crucial for effective soil management practices, including crop selection, irrigation, and fertilization. Farmers can use this data to optimize their farming practices, choosing crops suited to the available topsoil depth and implementing appropriate soil conservation measures. Deeper topsoil improves water retention and nutrient availability, which is essential for healthy crop growth and high yields.

Conclusion

The topsoil depth map of Alberta reveals significant regional variations influenced by geographical features such as the Rocky Mountains and the fertile plains of central Alberta. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring sustainable farming. By leveraging this data, farmers can improve crop yields, manage soil health, and enhance overall agrarian productivity in Alberta.

Sources

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC) Version 3.2 Data
  • Alberta Agriculture and Forestry